The meaning of FORMER is coming before in time. How to use former in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Former. of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past: 2. the first of two peopleโ€ฆ. Definition of former adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. former synonyms, former pronunciation, former translation, English dictionary definition of former. One that forms; a maker or creator: a former of ideas. A member of โ€ฆ Aug 28, 2025 ยท Inherited from Middle English former, comparative of forme (โ€œfirstโ€), from Old English forma (โ€œfirstโ€), descended from Proto-Germanic *frumรด. Parallel to prior (via Latin), as โ€ฆ being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter. former definition: someone in a specific class or form. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "former times", "sixth โ€ฆ Former definition: preceding in time; prior or earlier..

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